Turkish Hoteliers Anticipate Boost from Upcoming Holidays

The Turkish hospitality sector anticipates a surge in tourism due to the Eid al-Fitr, Nevruz, and Easter holidays, with projected bookings rising 15% from last year. The sector aims to attract 65 million visitors and generate $64 billion in revenue. Full occupancy is expected during Eid, with favorable weather enhancing visitor numbers.

Representatives from the Turkish hospitality sector anticipate a significant boost in domestic and international tourism coinciding with the Eid al-Fitr, Nevruz, and Easter holidays, as well as the upcoming school break. With a target of welcoming 65 million visitors and generating $64 billion in tourism revenue for the year, these holiday periods play a crucial role in achieving these objectives.

The Eid al-Fitr celebrations will take place from March 29 to April 1, aligning with the schools’ mid-term break. Traditionally, this holiday prompts millions to travel, visiting family or retreating to resort towns. Prior to Eid, the Nevruz holiday on March 21 is expected to attract holidaymakers from Iran, the Middle East, and Turkic countries.

Turkish hoteliers are also optimistic about increased activity during Easter in April and Russia’s Victory Day holiday in May, which significantly contributes to Turkey’s tourism sector. According to Mehmet İşler, Vice President of the Turkish Hoteliers’ Federation (TÜROFED), bookings for Eid are up by 15% compared to last year. He projects that the tourism industry will commence the 2025 season earlier than usual, suggesting full occupancy during the holiday.

Accommodation prices for the Eid al-Fitr holiday range from 2,000 to 10,000 Turkish Liras, inclusive of breakfast. Kaşif Kavaloğlu, President of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Investors Association (AKTOB), predicts a large influx of local tourists and notes the expected increase in visitors during Easter and the Russian holiday in May. April is anticipated to be particularly busy for hoteliers, with activity ramping up due to favorable weather.

In Antalya, where temperatures are between 22-25 degrees Celsius, Kavaloğlu expects a rise in tourist numbers, marking April 1 as the commencement of the high tourist season this year. İsmail Çağlar, a hotel manager, expressed confidence in bookings from Europe for Easter and highlighted the expected influx of tourists from the Turkic Republics and the Middle East during the Nevruz holiday.

In conclusion, the Turkish hospitality industry is set to benefit significantly from the upcoming holidays, with expectations of heightened tourism activity due to Eid al-Fitr, Nevruz, and Easter celebrations. With favorable conditions and increased bookings, Turkish hoteliers are optimistic for a successful season ahead, marking an early start to tourism in 2025. This surge is anticipated to significantly contribute to the national tourism goals of 65 million visitors and $64 billion in revenue for the year.

Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com